Bringing an end to the painfully-long wait, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” held its UK premiere in London, England this evening (December 12) with special guest Prince William .

Sir Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett showed up at the Odeon Leicester Square to greet fans and paparazzi prior to the much-anticipated screening.

Also in the house were Andy Serkis, Sir Peter Jackson, Dominic Monaghan, and Martin Freeman, kicking off the first of Jackson’s Hobbit Trilogy.

Meanwhile, as previously reported by the GossipCenter, Mr. McKellen has been battling prostate cancer for quite some time. He explained, "There have been new reports in the press of the old news that I have early prostate cancer. This was diagnosed six or seven years ago. There is no cause for alarm. I am examined regularly and the cancer is contained. I've not needed any treatment."